Lake Charles, LA – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), today announced a $1.5 million grant to construct a two-story Aviation Center of Excellence in joint partnership with the airport, Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish.

“Chennault Airport provides critical economic opportunities for Lake Charles area businesses and residents, and this grant demonstrates the commitment of leaders at the local, state and federal levels to its continued success,” Boustany said.  “This new center, which could create more than 300 new jobs, will enable many of our area’s young people to receive necessary training for quality jobs.  I applaud all those who worked to make this happen.”

The grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration funds construction of a two-story annex facility adjacent to the Chennault International Airport for use as an Aviation Center for Excellence. The Center will train and employ residents interested in working in the region's growing avionics industry.  375 new jobs are anticipated as a result.

Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish and Chennault Airport each contributed $500,000 toward the project’s $3 million total to secure the matching federal grant.

Former State Senator Jerry Theunissen, who worked on the project, said, “I am pleased with the significant level of cooperation at all levels between Chennault, Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish as well as our state and federal delegations.  This important development will help Aeroframe’s expansion and train many in our community for good paying jobs.  It will really serve as an entrance to a center of excellence.”

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